Encountering Paul

The Apostle Paul remains one of the most fascinating, enigmatic, and controversial figures of the early Christian Church. While much of his writing is liberating and inspiring, his words have also been used to support slavery, male domination, and religious exclusivism. Drawing on the literary and historical insights that have revolutionized contemporary Paul scholarship, Tatha Wiley skillfully separates the apostle's different voices, illuminating the authentic, historical Paul. Encountering Paul is a compelling look at this key figure in Christian history and belief.

Fascinating, controversial, yet enigmatic_the figure of the apostle Paul looms large in Christian history. But which Paul is the true one? Is it the Paul who proclaims our freedom in Christ or the Paul who demands that slaves obey their masters? The Paul who works closely with women evangelists, or the Paul who instructs women to submit to the rule of their husbands? Is it the deeply Jewish Paul or the Paul who rejects the Law? Drawing on the literary and historical insights that have revolutionized contemporary Paul scholarship, Tatha Wiley skillfully separates these different voices of Paul and their liberating and oppressive legacies. In her well-crafted work, Wiley not only illumines the authentic, historical Paul but also accounts for his influence in the history of slavery, male domination, and religious exclusivism. Encountering Paul is a welcome addition to the Come and See series.